– Engineer Mohammed Salim
–Translated by Atoofa Nasiha
[Professor Engineer Mohammed Salim, Vice President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, during his recent visit to Chennai, addressed various events viz. (1) A two-day workshop for PR activists from all over the state of Tamil Nadu; (2) A convention of Chennai Cadre; (3) An interfaith get-together of spiritual leaders; (4) A roundtable conference of leaders of various Muslim political parties and social organisations; (5) A lively interaction with the Political Activists from all over the state; (6) An informal interaction with the Unit Presidents and Metro Shoora members; and (7) An exclusive meeting with the zonal office bearers. We are presenting here excerpts from his speech addressed to the Chennai Cadre, translated into English and compiled by Atoofa Nasiha for the benefit of our readers.]
For Muslims in India, the responsibility of living by Islam and conveying its message with wisdom is of great importance. The role of da‘wah is not limited to a select few but concerns every believer in their daily life, as each carries the duty of representing the teachings of Islam through words and actions. At the same time, there are matters that require careful reflection and constant awareness, especially in the unique context of being Muslims in India. The thoughts shared here serve as a reminder for every Muslim to keep these responsibilities in view and to approach them with sincerity and clarity.
The Current Situation of the Country
Today, the country is undergoing rapid change; the national scenario is shifting quickly. In this situation, we must ask ourselves:
What is our responsibility?
What is our role in strengthening the nation, guiding it forward, placing it on the path of progress, and shaping it into a model country?
What is our duty to ensure that justice and fairness prevail, and that all forms of wrongdoing, cruelty, and brutality are prevented against any community?
To meet these responsibilities, we must ask: what is our actual status, our true position, our plan of action? What should be our priorities? What should we avoid? And what are the tasks that we must absolutely undertake? These are matters we must analyse with seriousness.
A Historical Perspective
Our country is one of the most ancient in the world. Muslims too have a long and cherished presence here. For centuries, Muslims have been part of this land, with their own traditions. When Islam arrived, many people embraced it. Muslims came and ruled here. Later, however, the British arrived and the country was subjected to slavery and colonial rule. Against that subjugation, the people waged a great struggle for freedom. That struggle succeeded, independence was achieved, and the country was partitioned. Even after partition, in the 75 years that followed, the nation has witnessed significant progress, which cannot be denied.
The Rise of Exclusive Ideologies
At the same time, certain groups with narrow ideological visions, those who want to see the country in a particular colour and shade and push it in a particular direction began to gain ground. Over these 75 years, there is a mixed history that includes riots as well as remarkable development. While the nation has advanced in many areas, there has also been decline in other aspects, which we are witnessing before our eyes.
The Rule of a Particular Ideology
For the past 11 years, the country has been under a government shaped by a particular ideology. And there have been continuous attempts to weaken the very foundations of the nation. The identity of our country lies in its diversity, in its character as a plural society. Its special feature is its Constitution. The Constitution guarantees Equality, Fraternity, Freedom, and Justice. It ensures equal justice to all. It ensures the freedom to choose one’s way of life, one’s faith, and one’s path. It also protects the right to eat what one wishes, without restrictions. These freedoms, equalities, brotherhood, and justice stand as four central pillars of the Constitution.
Democratic Values and Decline
On that basis, people of the nation must live with mutual goodwill and brotherhood. Democratic values must remain strong. Through consultation and democratic processes, everyone’s contribution and participation must be ensured. The aim of the Constitution is to protect democratic principles, and institutions were established to safeguard them. Yet, while science and technology have advanced, there is steady decline in fundamental values. In particular, Muslims are being singled out. In the past 11 years, on one hand hate-driven politics has targeted them directly, on the other hand efforts to divide society too have increased.
Why Muslims Are Targeted
The question arises: why are Muslims targeted, and why are they seen as a problem? It is because Muslims have preserved a distinct identity. They have held on to a unique culture. Many communities came here in the past, such as Buddhists and Jains. Over time, they lost their separate identities, blended their cultures, got assimilated and merged into the broader fabric. But Muslims, even after centuries, have continued to uphold their distinct identity, culture, values, and way of life. This persistence troubles those who oppose it. The refusal to compromise on identity and the determination to remain firm also cause unease.
The Constitution as a ‘Source of Tension’
Secondly, the Constitution itself is a point of contention for them. It grants equal rights and establishes brotherhood among all. For those who oppose equality, this becomes a source of irritation. The principle that every human being is equal and that all are brothers stands against their fundamental doctrines and beliefs.
Fascist Tendencies
Next comes their fascist tendencies. They seek to impose their beliefs on others. They attempt to enforce authoritarian practices in place of democratic values and aim to weaken democratic institutions. These developments call for serious discussion and counsel.
The Present Government and Its Ideology
It is also important to note that the ruling party today should not be regarded as merely a political party. It represents an ideology, a concept that stands in opposition to the very idea of India. This ideology undermines the vision of India as a nation of equality and brotherhood. The picture they hold of Bharat is different from the inclusive one. The nation they seek to build is one where hegemony of a particular sect prevails and others are subjugated. They aim to establish a social order with rigid hierarchies and layered divisions. They reject the idea of an order where all can be equal and live in brotherhood. Hence the idea of India as a nation of liberty, equality, fraternity and justice troubles them.
Beyond Muslims: A Larger Target
Hence it becomes clear that the issue is not limited to Muslims alone. They will not stop with Muslims. While Muslims may be the first target, the entire nation is sooner to be their target. They are waiting to divide and enslave the entire nation. In this backdrop, it is necessary for us to analyse carefully and chalk out our responses to these challenges.
The Foundation of Our Nation
Our country is not merely a political entity but a homeland built upon shared values and collective responsibility. The Constitution has laid down the framework that secures Justice, Equality, and Freedom for every citizen. These principles form the basis of our life in this land and require us to protect and preserve them with sincerity.
The Ideology We Hold
We stand for an ideology that seeks Justice, Fairness, and Peace for all. This ideology teaches us to live as responsible citizens while also serving as a reminder of our ultimate accountability before Allah. We cannot separate our worldly responsibilities from our spiritual duties, for both are intertwined in shaping a Just and Peaceful Society.
Challenges Before Us
The path ahead us is not without challenges. We face issues of injustice, social inequality, and continuous attempts to weaken the values upon which our society rests. At the same time, we must remain vigilant against efforts to divide us based on religion, caste, or language. It is our duty to respond to these challenges with wisdom, patience, and firm adherence to truth.
Our Position as an Ummah
We belong to an Ummah that has been entrusted with the responsibility of guiding humanity towards goodness. Our role is not confined to personal worship but extends to building a society that reflects Justice, Compassion, and Truth. This position demands that we live as an example for others, embodying the teachings of the Qur’an and the Prophet ﷺ in our words, deeds, character and actions.
The Duty of Dayees
As a dayee calling towards truth, we carry a responsibility that cannot be taken lightly. Our message must reach not only those within our community but also the wider society. We are to present Islam as a complete way of life that addresses the needs of individuals and society alike. This requires clarity in our communication, humility in our approach, and sincerity in our intentions.
Approach Towards Society
Engaging with society requires both wisdom and patience. We must understand the concerns of the people around us, listen to them, and offer solutions grounded in Islamic values. Our aim is not to impose but to invite, not to argue but to inspire. By showing kindness, justice, and responsibility in our dealings, we can win hearts and minds far more effectively than through words alone.
The Road Ahead
Our journey as a nation and as an Ummah is deeply connected. The health of our society depends on how well we uphold Justice, Equality, and Compassion. At the same time, our accountability before Allah requires that we never abandon our duty as Dayees. If we remain sincere, united, and steadfast, we can face challenges with confidence and move forward with hope.
Living as Citizens of the Nation
As citizens of this country, we hold a dual responsibility. We are bound by a relationship with the land and with its people. Along with that comes the duty of protecting it, safeguarding it, preserving its values, and correcting its course when it goes astray. It is our obligation to protect the country from dangers, to prevent it from moving in the wrong direction, and to guide it back onto the right path whenever necessary.
The Muslim Community within the Nation
We also stand as members of the Muslim community. Although some may label us a minority, we do not accept this description. With a population of 220 million, Muslims represent a large and integral part of this society. From the perspective of citizenship, we are obliged to live within the framework of the law, to protect our lives, our Awqaf, our property, and our rights. Yet, our community faces many challenges. Atrocities are committed, and rights are denied. Addressing these challenges and working to secure justice is a responsibility we cannot ignore.
Belonging to the Global Ummah
Beyond the borders of this nation, we are part of the global Ummah. Just as pain in one part of the body affects the entire body, injustices against the Ummah anywhere in the world are felt deeply by us. We witness the actions of global powers such as the British, the Americans, and the Israelis, and the brutality inflicted on innocent people cannot leave us at peace. While our capacity may be limited, we remain committed to doing what lies within our reach.
The Role of a Dayee Community
Above all, our foremost role is that of a Dayee community. As Muslims, we were entrusted with a sacred responsibility. This Ummah received the final Messenger and the final Book. Conveying the message of the Qur’an to the people of this country is our central duty. This is not secondary; it is our primary task. Every Muslim is a Dayee, entrusted with sharing the message of truth and guidance.
Harmony of Responsibilities
When these four positions are seen together, some may assume that they are in conflict. In reality, they are not. Being a Dayee community does not prevent us from being responsible citizens. As members of the Muslim community, we are also contributors to the nation’s progress and solving its problems. As part of the global Ummah, our concern for justice extends naturally into our responsibilities as citizens. The Dayee’ana role integrates all these positions into a unified purpose.
Confronting the Current Ideology of Hatred
Being part of the international Ummah also influences our relationship with this country and its people. Today, the nation is facing great danger. The ruling powers are not simply a political party; they represent a dangerous ideology that threatens to destroy the nation. History shows that hatred has never brought real strength or peace. Those who have walked the path of hatred have always been weakened.
Despite their ambition to lead the world, this politics of hatred is their greatest obstacle. It is the most significant barrier to the nation’s progress. The question before us is how to respond to these wrong policies and injustices. Our approach must remain that of a Dayee community. If they do wrong, we must speak against it. If they commit injustice, we must stand firm against it. If they act rightly, we must acknowledge and support it. This balanced response reflects the proper way of a Dayee.
Maintaining Relations with the People
While opposing harmful ideologies, we must be careful not to create a gap between ourselves and the people of this nation. Divisive powers that spread hatred under the banner of Hindutva are not the whole nation. The nation is distinct from those who trade in hate. We must separate these forces from the larger body of citizens. We cannot assume that all people are filled with anger or hatred. In truth, the majority desire peace, progress, and justice. This reality should guide our engagement.
Countering False Narratives
Another challenge is the repeated claim that Muslims are disloyal or foreign, that their hearts belong elsewhere. This is a deliberate attempt to isolate Muslims. The remedy is to affirm clearly that this country is our country. Our contribution to its growth and protection cannot be denied. Our blood, courage, and labour are deeply tied to this land. By spreading the message that the people of this country are our people, we can break the poisonous propaganda of alienation.
Adopting a Spirit of Goodwill
Instead of harbouring hatred, we must approach people as our own. The Qur’an teaches us how Prophets addressed their people with ownership and concern, saying “O my people.” This attitude must guide us as well. We must call our fellow citizens away from the path of hatred and destruction, towards justice and well-being.
Even those who spread hatred must not be abandoned. They too must be approached with goodwill and given the message of truth. Our role requires us to desire the good of every person and to carry the message to all, without exception.
Trials and the Question of Calling to Faith
The country is going through a severe crisis. Trials are increasing with each passing day. Atrocities are being committed in every shapes and forms and Muslims are facing threats and oppression. In such circumstances, a question naturally arises. People ask, “How is it possible to call people to faith when the situation is so harsh? How can we invite others when we are being crushed and oppressed?”
Yet, history shows that this is precisely what was done in the most difficult times. At the peak of persecution, Islam was conveyed to people. When oppression was at its height, the invitation was made. At such moments, what most needed are strong faith and the determination to keep calling people towards it. Our hearts must be vast enough and strong enough to hold this responsibility.
The life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is a glorious example. He faced trials and challenges of every kind, but he never answered cruelty with cruelty. He never answered hate with hate. He responded with kindness, concern, and a constant call to goodness. His example teaches us that evil must be answered with what is better, as the Qur’an instructs.
The Obligation of Da’wah For Muslims
This brings us to the question of what we must do in practice. We must remember that we are a community entrusted with conveying the message of Islam. Our duty is to convey the message of faith, not only through words but through our entire way of life. We are citizens of this country, members of the Muslim community, and contributors to the progress of the nation. At the same time, we carry the greater task of calling people to truth. Every one of us is a Dayee (the one who preaches Islam)
The Qur’an explains that Prophets were sent as witnesses, bearers of good news, and warners. This noble duty is not only theirs but also ours. To bear witness to the truth means that our words, deeds, family life, trade, social interactions, and political dealings must reflect honesty and justice. Preaching is not enough. True calling is to live as examples, as visible models of what Islam teaches.
The Qur’an was seen not only in verses but in the daily life and conduct of the Prophet. Likewise, Islam must shine through our lives. People must see that we believe in God alone, that we fear none except Him, and that we bow to no one else. This image must reach people through our behaviour, words, and actions.
Standing Against Oppression
Being the representatives of Islam does not mean ignoring injustice. We must stand against oppressors and raise our voices for those denied dignity. Today, one of the greatest injustices is the denial of human honour. Some even declare openly that others are not worthy of respect. Against this, we must defend Dalits, backward communities, Tribals, the elderly, and women who face discrimination and oppression. Our responsibility is to weaken the influence of oppressors and to bring fairness into society.
The Question of Leaving the Country
Another thought has spread among some wealthy and well-off Muslims. Seeing the condition of the country, they believe it is better to quietly leave and settle elsewhere. This, however, is akin to running away. If one goes abroad for education or employment that is understandable. But leaving the country out of despair is not acceptable.
Allah has created us in this land for a reason. Among 1.4 billion people, He placed us here with a purpose. That purpose is to change the direction of this country, to convey His guidance to its people, to save them from destruction, and to contribute to its progress. Running away is not the way.
The Qur’an narrates how Prophet Yunus left his people in despair. Allah says,
“When he fled to the laden ship.” (37:140)
Allah then corrected him, and in the belly of the fish he came to full realisation and repentance, as the Qur’an records,
“Then he cried out in the darkness, ‘There is no god except You. Glory be to You. Indeed, I was of the wrongdoers’.” (21:87)
And that’s how Yunus عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام realised that abandoning the nation is not the solution. This story teaches us that leaving the country and ignoring responsibility is not for us. We must remain here, live as models, and stand as witnesses to the truth.
Strengthening the Community
To fulfil this role, we must also strengthen the Muslim community. Education, trade, participation in administration and defence must be pursued with determination. Above all, we must nurture conviction in the oneness of God and build unity among ourselves. Sectarian divisions have weakened us, and efforts must be made to bring the community together.
We must also spread awareness of faith to those who do not know it. Our relationship with this country should mirror the concern the Prophets had for their people. They endured hardship not with anger but with love and a desire for the well-being of their people. The Prophet ﷺ never repaid oppression with oppression or denial with denial. Instead, he acted with Patience, Tolerance, and Forgiveness.
A Call for Patience, Tolerance, and Goodwill
As representatives of Islam, we must also embrace patience when it is required and courage when it is necessary. But even when responding, our conduct must remain within the character of Islam. We must not spread hate in response to hate. Instead, we must counter intolerance with tolerance and hate with love. Our hearts must be large enough to forgive and to win people with kindness.
Even if disappointed by some, we must not abandon them. We must reach out and interact with the people of this nation, embracing them as our own. This responsibility applies to men and women alike. Everyone must work to connect with society and strengthen bonds of goodwill.
Allah reminds us in the Qur’an:
وَلَا تَسْتَوِى ٱلْحَسَنَةُ وَلَا ٱلسَّيِّئَةُ ۚ ٱدْفَعْ بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ فَإِذَا ٱلَّذِى بَيْنَكَ وَبَيْنَهُۥ عَدَٰوَةٌۭ كَأَنَّهُۥ وَلِىٌّ حَمِيم
Good and evil cannot be equal. Respond to evil with what is best, then the one you are in a feud with will be like a close friend. (41:34)
This is the path Islam teaches us. When we embody Patience, Forgiveness, and Kindness, we not only uphold the beauty of our faith but also turn hearts, building bridges of friendship and unity in our society.
In these times, we are called to live as witnesses to the truth, as people who oppose injustice, as contributors to progress, and as Dayees of Islam. We must have the zeal, the awareness, and the concern to save people from harm and to guide them towards what is right. May Allah grant us the strength to walk this path with excellence.
